Fort Lauderdale Strikers open training camp

February 25, 2013|By Dave Brousseau, Staff Writer

FORT LAUDERDALE — The field was lined, the grass still damp with morning dew.

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers preparation for the 2013 North American Soccer League season is officially underway as the team gathered for its first practice session Monday morning on the training field behind Fort Lauderdale Stadium.

Goalkeeper Matt Glaeser, defender Scott Gordon, midfielders Mark Anderson and Walter Restrepo and forward Andy Herron are among a core group of returning players who participated in conditioning drills.

Restrepo returns after having his season cut short last year because of a knee injury.

"Walter took his physical and looked good," Strikers coach Daryl Shore said. " We feel he needs about another month before he is ready to go. He should be ready for the home opener."

Joining the returning players are high-profile signings David Foley, last of Puerto Rico Islanders, and former Honduran national team veteran Ivan Guerrero. Also signed during the offseason were Manny Gonzalez and Gonzalo De Mujica. Gonzalez spent all of last season training with the team before signing his first professional contract in January. De Mujica comes to the Strikers from Orlando City U-23.

The Strikers open the first half of the regular season at Lockhart Stadium against FC Edmonton on April 6. The season has two halves, and with the winner of each half playing for the league championship, the importance of getting off to a strong start is crucial.

"We have to win games on the road," Shore said. "It's a new season, a new format so it's very important we get off to a good start."